All about Yucalpetén Pig Beach in Yucatán (2025 Guide)

Anyone with kids knows how it goes – sooner or later, every child wants a pet. We’ve got dogs, rabbits, and fish already, but our youngest just came up with a new idea: a little pig.

Well, after a bit of research, she decided it’s better to have several pigs since they’re social animals and don’t like being alone. And that’s what’s got me thinking about Yucalpetén.

Between Chelem and Progreso on the Emerald Coast there is a pretty and unusual beach. The unofficial name "Pig Beach" is already extraordinary and in fact the beach was named so because it is home to small Vietnamese pigs.

Vietnamese pigs, also known as "Mái", are a small, hardy breed that is actually native to Vietnam. These pigs are known for their black fur, short legs, and docile nature, making them well-suited for small farms and traditional farming methods.

But let's take it one step at a time.

Piglets, Police, and a New Tourist Spot

In mid-2021, authorities were notified about strange noises coming from an empty lot in Progreso. While inspecting, the municipality found eight newborn piglets and their mother.

No one knew where the mother came from. Progreso's ecological police, founded in 2019, cared for the piglets, but the mother didn’t survive. One day, someone took the pigs to the beach – and surprisingly, they loved it.

That’s when the idea of creating a new tourist attraction inspired by Pig Beach in the Bahamas was born. The beach, however, had become quite littered over the years, so the first step was cleaning it up.

Then, a stable was built for the pigs, along with some other necessary infrastructure. Petunia, Pepa, Walt, Rocky, and the others moved in and quickly became local celebrities. And guess what? They’ve even had their first piglets!

Visiting Pig Beach – Tips and Timing

Due to the sun, they mostly stay in their pen, but if you want to see them on the beach, you’ll need to visit Thursday to Sunday around noon. That’s when they get an hour to roam free.

A few additional tips for your visit:

• Be gentle and careful around the pigs.

• Don’t feed them, carry them, or drag them.

• Make sure children don’t harass the pigs.

• Yucalpéten also has a small marina you can check out.

• The beach is lovely, but keep in mind there are no restaurants or other facilities.

• Remember to bring your own snacks or drinks.

How to Get to Yucalpetén from Mérida?

From Mérida, take the highway to Progreso and then turn left at the exit to Chelem. After coming down the bridge, take a left on Calle 22 and then a right on Indeco. The entrance is at the end of the road, to the left.

Facts About the Emerald Coast

Pig Beach, as well as Chelem and Progreso, are located on the Emerald Coast, which is part of the Gulf Coast.

The Emerald Coast (Costa Esmeralda in Spanish) is the unofficial name for the 98 km stretch of coastline in the northern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. The name "Emerald Coast" comes from the stunning emerald-colored water.

Here are some interesting facts:

So if you’re planning to visit the piggies at Yucalpetén and have some time to spare, I’d definitely recommend turning it into a little coastal road trip – it makes the whole experience way more fun.